To be a forum for the discussion of key developments in policy and to help to formulate the NHDG’s response to emerging policy changes and generate strong ideas to improve the sector.
Policy Working Group
Policy Working Group
Purpose
Aim
To represent the views of the NHDG on UK home decarbonisation and retrofit policy and work with the Government to increase support for large-scale high-quality home decarbonisation.
Chairperson: Michael McGowan, Mears
The policy working group is a platform to
transform discussion into action
With support from DESNZ, the NHDG and its members are working collaboratively to realise the Government’s decarbonisation targets and improve the quality of housing across the UK as we move towards Net Zero. The goal of the WG is to identify the barriers delaying us progressing decarbonisation targets in housing and using our experience and knowledge to generate innovative approaches to overcome them.
Pillar 1
Interrelating health
and retrofit
To recognise the positive impact of having well insulated homes on human health and the knock-on effect this has on financial savings for the NHS.
Pillar 2
Long-term commitment to
energy efficiency delivery
Through extending scheme length and guaranteeing funding. This will incentivise engagement from industry and support housing decarbonisation.
Pillar 3
Reducing complexity and
increasing effectiveness
By having consistent product quality, eligibility criteria and accreditation requirements to allow for more installers to engage thus increasing the number of consumer supported by the schemes.
Pillar 1: Interrelating health and retrofit
Quantifying the health impact of retrofit measures
Quantifying the health impact of retrofit measures in terms of public finances will enable this to be integrate into policy and shape outcomes that will save the NHS money and reduce the negative health implications of poorly insulation and poorly ventilated homes.
To review and research existing methodologies
To review and research existing methodologies, including international examples, for producing a cost benefit analysis for retrofit measures to develop a proposal for integration into policy and using this, assess the health benefits of a major scale up of SHDF.
Develop a public awareness campaign
Develop a public awareness campaign to build knowledge on the link between retrofit and health and direct consumers towards the existing support that is available to them to improve their properties.
Pillar 2: Long term commitment to energy efficiency delivery
Fiscal reform to create long-term incentives
The Able-to-Pay market is key for net zero delivery as their investment in retrofit works do not require support from the Treasury. To incentivise investment financial institutions are offering innovative solutions including:
This investment helps to boosts investment in green technologies, encourage different sectors to engage in this financing and supports a socially just transition.
Move beyond spending review periods to 10-year programmes
There are many impactful government funded schemes supporting housing retrofit. Historically however, they have followed a stop-and-start style of funding which creates uncertainty for industry and prevents investment. By guarantying 10-year programmes more households can benefit from their engagement and industry can consistently invest in their delivery.
Sustained support for those on low incomes or in fuel poverty
The NHDG believe no one should be left behind in the energy transition. To facilitate this the Government’s support for those on low incomes and in fuel poverty must continue through schemes such as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Scheme which offers grant funding to social landlords and housing associations to improve the condition of their housing stock. This funding ensures that households are living in warm and safe homes fit for the future.
Pillar 3: Reducing complexity and increasing effectiveness
Consistent quality and accreditation requirements across schemes
Current energy efficiency schemes have different quality standards and accreditation requirements which retrofit contractors must adhere to when delivering measures through the schemes. These differences create delays and higher costs for businesses looking to support scheme delivery. By having consistent requirements across schemes industry will be encouraged to participate in their delivery.
Supporting the enforcement of MEES
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards would place a requirement on private landlords to reach EPC C for all their lettable properties. Reaching this standard would reduce exposure to cold and mouldy homes which has knock on benefits to renters physical and mental health. Without this standard landlords are not incentivised to improve the condition of their properties and renters are exposed to adverse health impacts.
Greater flexibility for housing providers to incorporate green finance
Whilst housing providers engage with retrofit through Government funded schemes however, these often target low-income families which does not represent everyone in their housing stock. To better deliver home improvements better access to green finance for owner occupier tenures is needed to ensure the entire building can be retrofitted rather than just certain apartments. This approach will capture greater benefits for residents as the building will be better insulated.
Useful definitions
Health impacts range from allergic reactions to developing respiratory illnesses heart disease and cardiac arrest. Exposure to mould or excessively cold homes is also linked to mental health problems including depression and anxiety.
Indoor environments include indoor temperatures that are too cold or too hot, high humidity levels, high noise levels and poor air quality. This is often due to poor insulation and ventilation in a property.
Home insulation can refer to loft, room in roof, cavity wall, solid wall or underfloor insulation. Insulation acts as a barrier to air flow ensuring homes stay warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather, helping to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
Ventilation creates healthier indoor environments by allowing fresh air to flow into a home. Ventilation also removes condensation from a property which if left can result in the development of mould.
How to join
Membership of the NHDG is considered if the prospective member is a Tier 1 contractor or energy supplier that contracts and directly delivers £20+ million turnover per year of whole-house decarbonisation retrofit at scale, supported by government-funded schemes such as Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and Home Upgrade Grant (HUG). Eligible turnover must come from work contracted directly with clients and not through third parties such as energy companies or other bodies.
Applicants must provide evidence to support that they meet the criteria. Evidence includes:
- The most recent audited accounts for the past two trading years; and
- Evidence of large-scale retrofit works either delivered or secured (minimum of £20 million)
Please be aware that the eligibility criteria may be changed at any time by the group.
